When this Government came to office in 1999, we had already made a very firm commitment to give clear directions to the New Zealand transport system that would reflect the realities we shall face in the 21st century. This commitment led to the New Zealand Transport Strategy being released in December 2002.
The New Zealand Transport Strategy states that 'by 2010 New Zealand will have an affordable, integrated, safe, responsive, and sustainable transport system'.
To achieve this we have set five objectives, all equally important:
Another driver of this process has been the Kyoto Protocol, which the Government agreed to ratify three years ago, and which came into force in February 2005. In order to meet our protocol commitments we shall need to focus on reducing transport energy use in particular. Under the right conditions, rail is a very energy-efficient transporter of both passengers and freight, and we look forward to seeing better use of New Zealand's rail network.
Now we have brought New Zealand's rail infrastructure back into public ownership, and the vision and objectives of the New Zealand Transport Strategy will be applied to New Zealand's railway network.
Through the National Rail Strategy, the Government is demonstrating its commitment to retaining the existing network; to investigating the development of a number of new railway lines; and to maximising the use of rail transport. The aim is to move people out of cars for urban journeys, and freight off roads, wherever possible. For freight this means a focus on bulk or containerised loads, including traffic such as milk or logs. For passengers it means a focus on busy urban corridors in the larger centres, and using smart thinking to manage congestion.
This is an exciting time in New Zealand transport, with a dynamic vision beginning to achieve real results, working towards an affordable, integrated, safe, responsive, and sustainable transport system. The Labour Progressive government acknowledges the contribution of the Green Party to the development of this Strategy, and both the Green Party and the United Party's support of the government's transport policy.
Signature Pete Hodgson Minister of Transport
Hon Pete Hodgson
Minister of Transport
National Rail Strategy
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